Exploring Differences in the Heritability of Criminal Behavior

• In Event: The Interplay of Biological, Physiological, and Developmental Factors in Understanding Psychopathy and Antisocial Behavior

Abstract

Empirical studies have indicated that approximately 50% of the variance in antisocial behaviors is attributable to genetic effects, with the heritability of criminal behavior estimated to be approximately 40-45%. However, there is relatively limited work examining moderators of the heritability of criminal convictions. Using data from Swedish population-based twin registries, this study aims to replicate and extend prior work by examining the extent to which heritability of criminal convictions varies by sex and parental socioeconomic status. Preliminary findings suggest no sex differences in heritability for violent and non-violent offending, but heritability may vary based on socioeconomic status. Implications and future directions will be discussed.

Authors

• Shichun Ling, California State University, Los Angeles

• Anneli Andersson, Örebro University

• Sofi Oskarsson, Örebro University

• Nilo Tayebi, Örebro University

• Ralf Kuja-Halkola, Karolinska Institutet

• Amber Beckley, Örebro University

• Henrik Larsson, Örebro University

• Catherine Tuvblad, Örebro University